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BORN
1991
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Shelby Matzke Obituary
De Pere - Shelby Elizabeth Matzke, 29, Appleton, but a native of De Pere, died Wednesday night November 25, 2020, unexpectedly in a motor vehicle accident. Shelby was born on January 28, 1991, her parents are Alan and Toni Matzke. She graduated from Notre Dame Grade School and Academy. Shelby worked at BMO Harris in Appleton, but her passion and joy came from also working at Fress Restaurant in Appleton. Shelby's favorite places and events with her favorite people were Dr. Jekyll's, Fress, Mile of Music and Saturday farmers' markets. But her favorite place of all was Chambers Island where she celebrated life every summer with family and friends. Shelby was a lover of all dogs, but her pride and joy was her pup, Lambeau. She was an avid reader and a Harry Potter fan. She loved all kinds of art and during her trip to Italy, the Pieta Statue moved her especially. During basketball season Shelby never missed a Bucks game and the same went for the Green Bay Packers. Shelby will always be remembered as the girl with a Million-Dollar smile, infectious laugh, pun humor that was second to none and a heart of gold. She was the friend that everyone naturally gravitated to and wanted to be around all the time. She was the brightest star in the room but never wanted the light to shine on her. If you spent any time with Shelby, you would know that she wouldn't dare eat meat and would always ask "what animal are you eating?" and how proud of her name she was, always saying "My dad named me after ya know, the car Shelby". As Shelby would always say "I am who I am", and that's what we all loved so dearly about her and will miss forever.
Shelby is survived by her parents Alan and Toni, brothers: Jason, her twin brother Matthew, and Lukas. Canine siblings, Marley and Lilly. The love of her life and canine child, Lambeau.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Russell and Joan Matzke and maternal grandfather: Melvin (Chip) Gering. Adored childhood pets: Dutchess, Belle, and Cinder.
The Matzke family would like to extend a special thank you to Kurt Minten and the Lawrence Fire Department as well as the De Pere Fire Rescue and all other responding agencies, who stayed and surrounded Shelby holding her hand when her family couldn't be there. Cotter Funeral home who went above and beyond to give the very best and most of Shelby to her family.
Private services were held at Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, WI 54115. Online condolences can be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. .
In place of flowers or monetary donations, Shelby's family asks to please share a memory or story about Shelby.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shelby Matzke
Sponsored by Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care - De Pere.
Sally & Shane Piepkorn
December 4, 2020
Al & Toni,
We so sorry to hear about your loss, thinking of you & your family.
The Smallish & DenDooven Families
December 3, 2020
Our very deepest, and most sincere sympathies to the entire Matzke family. While words simply fail us during this time, there remains no doubt that the Island will keep both her, and her lovely memory forever.
Jim and Cindy Johnson
December 3, 2020
Dear Alan and Toni,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Shelby was our daughter, Missy's closest friend and spoke of her often to us about the great times they were having in Appleton.
When Missy moved to Colorado Shelby was right there the whole time cleaning out Missy's closets and telling her, "No way am I letting you pack that stuff!"
Shelby helped Missy take apart furniture and load it all into the truck and trailer.
It didn't take long to realize what an awesome young lady Shelby was. Watching the two of them together was truly a treat.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you every day.
Sincerely,
Jim & Cindy Johnson
Brown County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Todd Delain
December 2, 2020
Chief Matzke, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.....we are so sorry for your loss!!!! Brown County Sheriff's Office
Michele Rude
December 1, 2020
I'm incredibly saddened to hear the news of Shelby's passing. I worked with her at Creative Group. I only came into the office a handful of times in a year, but she always greeted me with her amazing smile. She will be greatly missed by our entire Creative Group family. I hope all of your wonderful memories of Shelby help bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
Josh & Nikki Venden
November 30, 2020
We only got to hang out with Shelby a handful of times over the past few years on Chambers Island, but she was indeed one of those people you could just start talking to and never stop, like you’d known each other for years! Not the best quality photo, but here’s Shelby and her friend with our dog Bronson – every time the two of them tried to sit down he would insist on jumping up on their laps to cuddle. She had an equally magnetic personality for two-legged and four-legged animals – and such a great smile! The island will feel a little more empty this summer, but we’ll definitely give her one hell of a salute on the 4th! Thinking of you Al and Toni. Josh and Nikki Venden
Wally & Mary Dauffenbach
November 30, 2020
There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. We are praying that the good memories of Shelby will overcome the pain you feel.
Sandy Breukelman
November 30, 2020
Alan and Toni you had an amazing daughter. I worked with her at ABMC and she was always so friendly and kind and that smile of hers just lit up the room. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jenny Kelly
November 29, 2020
Al and Toni, we are heartbroken over the loss of your beautiful daughter, Shelby, knowing you live in faith, We know the lord will guide you in the coming days, praying for you
John Borchardt
November 29, 2020
Sincere condolences, I met Shelby at BMO when I went in to pick up money for a Mustang GT and shared with me the story of how she got her name. I will never forget that conversation or how nice she was.
Tom Siedlecki
November 29, 2020
Shelby and Jody
Tom Siedlecki
November 29, 2020
Alan and Toni, you don't know us but we are Tom and Jody Siedlecki, Missy Johnson's friends from Illinois. Last year in December, we lost our sister-in-law in an automobile accident. Missy and your daughter Shelby, were on a mission to come down and console and comfort my wife Jody. For the 1st and only time we met her and while she stayed with us, was truly a gift ! She was awesome!! She had an amazing infectious,personality and had a great sense of humor. You need to know that Shelby was there for us during , (as you know) a extremely terrible time. We are so so sorry this happened to your family...please feel free to reach out to us for anything even if just to chat....(the one pic is of Shelby holding Jody's hand but won't upload but will try again...)
Bob Richard
November 29, 2020
My condoleces to you and toni. So sorry for your loss.
Genevieve
November 29, 2020
The first time I met Shelby or Shelbertus Maximus as my family would call her, was at McDonald's. Kathy the GM of the store told Shelby we should be friends (Kathy knowing I had just moved to the area). Shelby and I instantly hit it off. We made plans to meet at the Town Hall and bike back to her house. When I arrived at the old Town Hall I waited.. and waited for Shelby but she did not show. After some time I biked back home disappointed. Once I got back home I called Shelby or she called me I don't exactly remember, but I do know the conversation was on a landline not a cellphone. To my surprise she said she was there waiting for me. Both confused we finally got to the bottom of what had happened. Shelby was waiting at the new Town Hall and I was waiting at the old Town Hall. Shortly after getting off the phone I biked back to the old Town Hall where Jason her brother and her were waiting in a vehicle for me. I tossed my bike in some tall grass and jumped in. We went back to her house laughing and laughing. We listened to her favorite band The Used and talked about nothing and everything for hours. When it was time to go she sent me off with some orange hair dye and a couple of CDs. This was the beginning of a crazy amazing journey and friendship!! I am truly thankful for all of the memories we created and shared throughout the years. She was taken too soon, but heaven just got a whole lot more fun.
Genevieve Gaikowski
November 29, 2020
The first time I met Shelby or Shelbertus Maximus as my family would call her, was at McDonald's. Kathy the GM of the store told Shelby we should be friends (Kathy knowing I had just moved to the area). Shelby and I instantly hit it off. We made plans to meet at the Town Hall and bike back to her house. When I arrived at the old Town Hall I waited.. and waited for Shelby but she did not show. After some time I biked back home disappointed. Once I got back home I called Shelby or she called me I don't exactly remember, but I do know the conversation was on a landline not a cellphone. To my surprise she said she was there waiting for me. Both confused we finally got to the bottom of what had happened. Shelby was waiting at the new Town Hall and I was waiting at the old Town Hall. Shortly after getting off the phone I biked back to the old Town Hall where Jason her brother and her were waiting in a vehicle for me. I tossed my bike in some tall grass and jumped in. We went back to her house laughing and laughing. We listened to her favorite band The Used and talked about nothing and everything for hours. When it was time to go she sent me off with some orange hair dye and a couple of CDs. This was the beginning of a crazy amazing journey and friendship!! I am truly thankful for all of the memories we created and shared throughout the years. She was taken too soon, but heaven just got a whole lot more fun.
Amber Andrist
November 29, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Shelby at Aurora Bay Care Hospital, she was very friendly and always had that positive smile, She was great to work with.
Maria Bobber
November 29, 2020
I was lucky enough to meet Shelby early this year when she trained at our Branch. Even though I only knew her a short while, I felt that gravitational pull you mention. She was a pleasure to be around during a difficult time. I’m very sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Maria
November 29, 2020
I was lucky enough to meet Shelby early this year when she trained at our Branch. Even though I only knew her a short while, I felt that gravitational pull you mention. She was a pleasure to be around during a difficult time. I’m very sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Maria
November 29, 2020
I was lucky enough to meet Shelby early this year when she trained at our Branch. Even though I only knew her a short while, I felt that gravitational pull you mention. She was a pleasure to be around during a difficult time. I’m very sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
jean watts
November 29, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family, and every one she touched. Love you Toni and Al
Casey Vandervest
November 28, 2020
I worked with Shelby at Humana, and our cubicles were right across from each other. She was so sweet and happy each morning, and always had the biggest, most beautiful smile. I loved hearing about all of the fun things she did, and you could tell how genuinely happy she was and how much she loved life. She talked about her family so often, and you could always tell how much love she had for all of them. Wishing much love during this incredibly difficult time.
Casey Vandervest
Maureen Lenahan
November 28, 2020
I knew Shelby through work while she was at creative group. She could make anyone laugh and brought a smile to everyone. She will be missed by many. Rest In Peace
Cathy Hendricks
November 28, 2020
Our hearts are breaking for you . Such a beautiful young woman . Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Todd and Cathy Hendricks
Stephanie and Kurt Grelck
November 28, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that will keep you all in our thoughts.
Glauco Brandini
November 28, 2020
One more star shines in the sky, God Bless you all!
Helen Kramer & Rachel Crowl
November 28, 2020
Shelby was a sweetheart. As sweet as she was funny and fun to be around. She didn't judge; she was easy to talk to and charmingly goofy and so unassuming and so beautiful. We will miss her very much.
So much love to all of you, and all of us, as we face this loss.
(I'm attaching a portrait she had taken this summer by my wife Rachel because she loved it and was so utterly shocked to find out how beautiful she was.)
Tyler Leahy
November 28, 2020
Shelby brought me to my first tractor pull. Her parents drove us around on the back of a golf cart drinking Blue Moon. It was a great night i will never forget. I will miss you Shelby.
Cindy Matzke
November 28, 2020
There are so many great memories with Shelby. We especially enjoyed all the family trips & times spent together. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be when all of us plus Mom & Dad went to Disney World. We rented a huge house & the kids were so excited. Kristin & Shelby shared a room. It was a trip that is dear to my heart. All of us in this huge house just having a million laughs. We had a pool & the kids loved it. We cooked great meals & all ate together. So many fond memories of Shelby. The picture of us is at Echo Valley where we shared so many fun times.
Another thing I’d like to say I especially loved her art work. She was a wonderful artist with so much talent. We all will miss her but she will stay forever in our hearts.
God Bless You and Keep You.
Jenny & Chad Scheinoha
November 28, 2020
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Matzke family. The island will not be the same without her. Shelby was an extraordinary and kind person. We will miss her greatly. May God bless you and your family during this very trying time.
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